Our First Family Vacation: Exploring Bentonville

Our first family trip took us to Bentonville, Arkansas, and it couldn't have been more perfect. We went in the spring, when the weather was incredible, and it was just the right quick weekend getaway - a short drive, a change of scenery, and quality time together as a family. Bentonville was exactly what we were looking for. 

Where We Stayed

We stayed in the sweetest Airbnb within walking distance to downtown, and it was perfect for our little family trip. Having a kitchen, a separate room for our daughter to sleep and nap, plus a washer and drier for convenience made traveling with a baby so much easier. This spot checked all of the boxes - and then some! The beautiful outdoor patio quickly became our favorite nap-time retreat, and being able to stroll to a nearby park made the trip feel effortless.

Hitting the Road

Not long after we hit the road, it was time to stop - if you have kids, you understand. It was time for a bottle so we made a stop at Mama's Kitchen in Archie, Missouri. Just a short drive from the highway. This cute restaurant was perfect for a meal and get back on the road. 

What We Did

A couple hours later, we made it to Bentonville. You'll know you're there once you start seeing everything about Walmart, where it all began. We arrived a little early to check into our Airbnb and since our daughter had been cooped up in the car for hours, we walked to Dave Peel Park to stretch our legs and do some much-needed swinging. 

By the time we got settled, it was nap time - for everyone. 

Feeling refreshed, it was time to find dinner. We walked to downtown. Our destination was Taco & Tamale - it came highly recommended by our friends, but with a long wait and a hungry little one, we needed to keep moving. Just down the street, we sat on the patio at Azul Tequila Bistro. This yummy Mexican restaurant overlooked the downtown square which gave our daughter plenty to look at throughout the meal. 

The next morning, we were all rested and ready to go. For breakfast, we made our way to Ozark Mountain Bagel Co. only to find a line wrapped around the corner - everyone had the same thought. We had to find a plan B. Once we got farther into downtown, we saw there was a Farmer's Market. We were able to find a vendor for coffee - for me, of course - and bagels so we could eat and walk around. Isn't it funny how the best plans are sometimes no plans at all? 

Full bellies, we were ready to keep walking. We made our way to Compton Gardens and Crystal Bridge Trail. This paved walk was breathtaking, taking you through the tall trees with pockets of rushing water. An amazing start to the day! 

We did lunch and nap time back at the Airbnb. Once we recharged, we were ready for more of a hiking trail. We loaded our daughter up into the hiking backpack and set out for Schroen Trail, it was just the outdoor adventure we were looking for. 

Ready to rest our legs, we took a break at Bike Rack Brewing Co. and enjoyed their outdoor patio before making our way back into town for dinner. In the mood for pizza, we stopped in Oven & Tap for dinner. The casual dining made it perfect for our little one who likes to use her voice. We didn't feel as if we were disturbing anyone. 

After dinner it was back to the house for bedtime. 

The final morning there, we wanted to make sure we fueled up before hitting the road back into town. Table Mesa Bistro was the perfect stop. They had a bottomless food buffet that was sure to help fill everyone's bellies before our drive home. 

This trip will always be one we treasure! We’ve dreamed of traveling with our daughter so she can experience people and places from all walks of life, and Bentonville was the perfect introduction. Along the way, we created memories we’ll hold onto forever. If you love to travel, don’t let having kids stop you—take them along, soak it all in, and keep making memories together!